“Sixty-four years ago the Maori Women’s Welfare League was advocating for Maori families and a generation later: the league continues to advocate for Maori families."

Last month the League urged Government to work with their members to support Child Youth and Family in their work. Of the approximate 5000 New Zealand youngsters in state care around 60 per cent are Maori children.

"We support the Maori Women's Welfare League's call to ensure Maori women are central to any policy solution for at risk mokopuna Maori," said Ms Johansen.